The State of Education Censorship in Institutions of Higher Ed and Implications for the Field

Censorship legislation is dangerous to our democracy. When this legislation is passed, it leads to the suppression of different voices and ideas. This creates an environment where people are less likely to have open discussions and exchange different points of view. As a result, society becomes more divided. Additionally, censorship legislation limits diversity in schools by preventing teachers from discussing certain topics or introducing students to new cultures. This leads to an ignorance of other cultures, an overall lack of diversity, and ultimately, the xenophobia, homophobia, and sexism that plague our society today.

The State of Education Censorship in Institutions of Higher Ed and Implications for the Field provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of educational censorship in the United States. It is important for educators to be aware of the legislation that has been passed, to better understand the implications for their teaching. More importantly, the report provides a call to action for educational stakeholders, including but not limited to educators, administrators, parents, and IHE faculty and staff.

As the national director of education innovation and research for the NAACP, I am keenly aware of the important role educators play in preparing our nation's young people for the challenges they will face in the 21st century. In order for our students to be successful, they must have access to a quality education that is free from censorship and distortion. We will use this report to inform our work with more than 2 million supporters and 2200 NAACP units in fighting for educational equity and excellence for all students.